For many years, Drew and I have written new goals and resolutions every January. It keeps us on track and gives us something to work towards.
Tomorrow we will drive up to the snow in Big Bear, and while we are enjoying the evening glow of the fireplace in our cabin, we’ll have our annual exercise of writing down our wish list for 2011.
It’s exciting writing down our goals, because the new year brings with it a fresh slate.
If you didn’t finish everything you wanted to in 2010, or if you feel disappointed about achieving less than you had planned, you still get a new start!
On my personal list for 2011:
Lose 7 pounds (this will bring me back to my wedding day weight!). I’ll do it by juicing, switching to a 50% raw food diet and exercising every day. I remember that when I was in my best shape it was when I was surfing almost every day – so I’m going to buy myself a new wetsuit and get back into it. (One thing to help me with this goal: I’ve joined the Live a Healthier Life in 21 Days Challenge. You can, too! And it’s free)
Spend the summer in Europe. I am itching to go back to Europe and spend few months in one spot, where I will be inspired to write and Drew will paint and Dylan will pick up a new language! We are looking for a home exchange in either San Sebastian, Spain or Peniche Portugal or even Bierritz, France. We want to be where the surf is good and the culture is rich.
Finish my e-book series for artists. This was one of my frustrations this past year. I didn’t reach my goal which was to finish my 3-book series by December 15. I’ll go easy on myself and make it happen in 2011.
Make time for the important stuff. I have a habit of getting side-tracked by unimportant things like Twitter and cleaning the house and reading too many blogs. I want to make better use of my time so I can focus on my family, the big projects (like my e-book series) and be more efficient so I work less and play more.
There are many other things to go on my 2011 list as well, such as the small house projects that Drew and I want to complete, minimizing our belongings for a more simple life, and all the other places we will visit besides Europe. Oh, and as a separate exercise, we go through this process with our business, too! (Setting new goals, reviewing 2010 and strategizing for 2011, etc.)
Most people don’t bother to write down their goals, though they carry them in their heads. But writing them down tends to create a little magic – you end up reaching your goals when they are down on paper. Even when you write it then forget about it.
The reason writing down your goals makes them happen is this: You have to KNOW WHAT YOU WANT SO THAT YOU CAN WRITE IT DOWN. You can’t write down what you don’t know. If you don’t know what you want, then you can’t get it. To get what you want, you have to decide what you want.
Get it?
So, that’s why when you write down your goals, or a list of what you want, it’s likely to happen.
Try this: Write down your list of goals, then file it away. Six months later, pull out your list. You’ll be surprised at just how many you’ve made happen!
For the creative person who could use a little help setting resolutions, I’ve put together a list for you:
FIVE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR CREATIVES:
1.) I RESOLVE TO PROMOTE MYSELF SHAMELESSLY. I will always have photos of my work with me to show to people I meet. I will introduce myself as an artist, and I will have a business card ready to hand out and make it easy for people to remember me and what I do.
2.) I RESOLVE TO CULTIVATE A KILLER WEBSITE. I will love it and nurture it and keep it updated weekly. My site will clearly demonstrate what I do and how to reach me. My sites’ URL will bear my name (i.e. www.joejohnson.com) so people can find it easily.
3.) I RESOLVE TO OPERATE WITH COMPLETE INTEGRITY. I will do WHAT I say I am going to do, WHEN I say I’m going to do it, 100% of the time. I will earn a reputation for being reliable and upfront, and dependable. I will become the person that people come to because not only do they love my art, they trust me and can count on me.
4.) I RESOLVE TO EDUCATE MYSELF IN THE BUSINESS OF ART. I will read at least 3 new books this year on marketing art, selling art, the business of art, etc. and learn new, better ways of doing things.
5.) I RESOLVE TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS AND SHARE INFORMATION. I will spend more time with other creative people, sharing information and ideas and exchanging pricing strategies, tips on techniques, and anything else that will help a fellow artist (and myself) be more successful. I will be generous with my time and information. I will come to believe that the success of others only helps with my success, and vice-versa.
Write these down, in your own words, and add your own to them. Go easy on yourself, get excited about the new year, and enjoy your life to fullest.
Maria xxoo
